The allegorical figures outside the building's main entrance are believed to have had a practical function. It is purported that the base of these statues housed either small artillery cannons or revolving gun turrets. In a time of crisis, the story goes, the statues could be broken away in order to reveal the artillery which in turn could be used to defend the Federal Reserve against unruly mobs. Other hidden gun ports and observation windows are located throughout the building, including slots for sharpshooters under the third step of the main entrance.
